The combustion of fossil like petrol, coal or gas has released millions of tons of carbon gases into the atmosphere. Their drastic increase over the past 50 years, combined with the deforestation from unsustainable agriculture, has caused Earth to warm globally. The planet’s average temperature is 1°C warmer than it was before the industrial revolution, which took place in the 18th and 19th centuries. As a result, glaciers are melting, sea levels are rising, coral reefs and marine biodiversity are disappearing due to warming oceans and life-threatening climate events are occurring more frequently.
Scientists are warning enough is enough. If the global warming trend continues, our planet could be 3°C to 5°C warmer by the year 2100. To help avoid this situation 195 countries signed the Paris Climate Agreement in 2015, which provides countries with recommendation on how to reduce the risks of climate change, how to reduce carbon emissions and how to maintain a global temperature well below 2°C.
Many nations are taking the lead in setting goals to combat climate change. For example:
Bhutan has already achieved carbon neutrality. Being a small and less economically developed country (LEDC), Bhutan was able to achieve zero CO2 emissions due to its successful reforestation programme. Its forests absorb the moderately low amounts of gases emitted by vehicles and industries. Moreover, Bhutan’s government is committed to maintaining this neutrality.
Chile accounts for less than 1% of global carbon emissions, yet it is one of the most vulnerable countries for change because of its geography and climate. The country is willing to take action to set an example, which more developed countries can follow. The capital, Santiago de Chile, uses 200 electric buses for public transport. By 2022, the country intends to make 80% of its public transport electric. In June 2019, Chile unveiled a climate action plan that aims to shut all 28 coal power plants by 2040 and target carbon neutrality by 2050.
Costa Rica has been an exemplary country when it comes to environmental protection. It has included in its constitution the right for all citizens to live in a healthy environment. One fourth of its territory is protected and it is one of the tropical countries to have reduced deforestation. Costa Rica has set the goal of eliminating fossil fuels by 2050.
Norway’s aim is to reduce carbon emissions by 40% and achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. Most of its electricity is renewable. In 2017, 96% of electricity was generated by hydro power plants and from wind farms, thus transitioning to clean energy. The country has the world’s highest concentration of electric vehicles. To neutralize the CO2 emissions generated by transport, Norway is relying on trees; it is increasing its forest size and contributing to programmes to reduce deforestation in other regions.
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